9/24/2025

VILAS COUNTY - The Wisconsin DNR reminds hunters of the important role they play in the continued efforts for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance and management in Wisconsin.  One of the most effective tools for monitoring CWD is testing your harvested deer, and testing is available statewide.  The DNR is especially interested in receiving more samples from the 2025 Fall Priority Areas near recent CWD detection locations which include Vilas and Oneida Counties. Additional samples in these areas will help the DNR better understand disease levels and distribution.  CWD is a contagious, fatal neurological disease that affects the nervous system of deer, elk, moose and caribou. 

9/24/2025

MADISON - Wisconsin Republicans are circulating new bills to pave the way for more affordable housing.  These bills would create a starter home loan program for first-time buyers, allow a secondary housing unit to be built on the same land as a single-family home and use taxes from new homes to help pay for neighborhood infrastructure, and more.  These bills will still need to be formally introduced and passed by the legislature before making it to the governor’s desk.  The average age of a first-time home buyer is 38 years old, according to the Wisconsin Realtors Association.

9/24/2025

LANSING - Michigan is expanding a program to help incarcerated people obtain driver's licenses or state identification cards, something advocates say will increase the odds they are successful in returning to society. The program began at state prisons in 2020 and more recently expanded to some jails. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says people need identification to apply for a job, for housing and to enroll in education and training programs. Her office says the program has helped about 20,000 people get identifications upon release from custody. Michigan is one of 17 states with such a program.